The low pressure, return line on my ps pump requires that you slide the hose over the metal extension and use a hose clamp to secure it. This is the same for most all ford trucks in the 73 >79 model year. Question???Is there any way to convert that over to some kind of secure , screw on type fitting that won't leak???Also , I've seen a pic of a 76 hiboy that had a chevy type ps pump instead of the regular old ford "fat boy" type of pump. Does anybody know anything about this situation....sk

 

skuteman,

P/S pump is pretty much specific to strg box and/or eng types. 73-79 F series trucks have a bunch of different combinations. All 73 thru 79s are not wholly the same. Many differences exist.

The Saginaw pump you mention seeing, came with the Saginaw intergal type steering box, generally on engines other than FEs. Sagniaw P/S Pump brackets 4 FE engines are few & far between, as are pulleys. Later models 77-79s generally used Saginaw set ups on 302 (5.0L) & 351Ws, 351-400M & 385 series engines. I believe 76 was last production yr for FEs.

Saginaw pumps on non Saginaw box can cause chatter & bind due to pressure differentials internally. It is a "slipper' type hi vol moderate/low pressure pump. P/S seems lazy & weak lacking PSI to drive other, non slipper type, boxes.

Old style pumps can damage Saginaw boxes, causing seal & O ring damage/ failure, resulting in leakage, because of high [ excess to Saginaw box] PSIs. Plus they're not slippers, as engine RPM increases so does line PSI in box. It steers wierd, too light & sensative at hiway speeds, even dangerous/ risky.

To swap P/S pump 2 Saginaw type really req's Saginaw Box too. But it can be done if you think it's worth it. FBp

 

thanks pete. I really had no idea that it would make any difference to hook a saginaw pump to a "ford" ps box. I'm doing the ps conversion from power assist(tractor) over to the 78-79 , f250 , 4x4 ps box. I'll just keep what I have and not try to co mingle incompatible parts. There are always more factors to consider when someone with accurate knowledge illuminates the choices and their outcomes , thanks again for taking time to respond , skuteman......

 

Pete

on my 78 F350 4x4 i went to buy a new pump. when i told the guy behind the counter what vehicle i had. he asked me if i wanted the stock pump or the heavy duty one,saginaw. i said they make a HD one? he said yeah. so i got it. but when i put it on my steering is harder to turn and kinda jerky. is this what you mean by binding. the guy at the part store didnt ask me what type of box i have. how do i tell. it sits on top of the frame rail and has 4 bolts holding it to the side of the frame, same as F250 4x4.